The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent From The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

After his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.